rom its introduction in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph has challenged every aspect of watchmaking. One of the first automatic chronographs, it came in bright blue and, contrary to tradition, it was not round but square. It was also the first to be housed in a waterproof case.

Then, in the late 1970s, the chronograph debuted an entirely different look. The legendary “Dark Lord” came with a matt black case and dial, with bright orange and white accents, optimising the usefulness of the chronograph as a tactical instrument for the racer.

Now, over 50 years after its introduction, the brand is releasing a special edition of the legendary watch. The newest TAG Heuer Monaco incorporates today’s most innovative materials and engineering to offer enthusiasts the ultimate version of what the original “Dark Lord” might have been.

This year’s special edition marks the first use of black-coated titanium for the chronograph. The DLC coating provides deep, rich colour that will stand up to its intended use as a racer’s tool, and the case has been sandblasted to produce a grained finish. Advances in coating technology mean that the durable black finish can be used not only on the case, but also on the crown, pushers and caseback.

The dial offers a radically new celebration of the TAG Heuer Monaco’s “circle in a square” geometry, being constructed of two separate pieces, with contrasting finishes. The circle at the centre of the dial has a satin- brushed circular finish, reflecting the speed and smoothness of racing. The exterior of the dial offers a dramatic contrast, being sandblasted to create a rough finish offering the perfect transition from the dial to the case.

The gold elements of this piece, offering a stunning contrast to the matt black of the dial, create a glorious bridge to Heuer’s unique racing legacy of the 1970s, reminding us of the gold Carrera chronographs that Jack Heuer presented to leading professional racers and friends of the Heuer brand.

The in-house Heuer 02 movement that powers the timepiece provides another remarkable contrast to the movements that powered the original chronographs of the 1970s. Utilising a traditional column wheel to activate the chronograph and offering an 80-hour power reserve, the beautifully finished Heuer 02 is topped with a rose gold-plated oscillating mass and proudly displayed through the sapphire caseback.

Price: CHF 8,000

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